Hot water generation device

Abstract

A hot water generation device (1) comprises a heat source unit (2), a tank (3), and piping (4). The heat source unit (2) constitutes a refrigerant circuit (20) through which a refrigerant circulates. The piping (4) is located between the heat source unit (2) and the tank (3). The heat source unit (2) has a compressor (21), a casing (29), and an operation unit (50). The casing (29) accommodates the compressor (21). The operation unit (50) is disposed outside the casing (29).

Description

Hot water generating device

[0001] It relates to a hot water generating device.

[0002] There has conventionally been a water heater in which a control panel of an operation unit is arranged inside a heat source unit. (Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-162184)).

[0003] Conventionally, when operating the control panel of the operation unit, it is necessary to remove the casing, so there is a problem that the operation is difficult.

[0004] The hot water generating device of the first aspect includes a heat source unit, a tank, and a pipe. The heat source unit constitutes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates. The pipe is a pipe between the heat source unit and the tank. The heat source unit has a compressor, a casing, and an operation unit. The casing houses the compressor. The operation unit is arranged outside the casing.

[0005] In this hot water generating device, since the operation unit is arranged outside the casing of the heat source unit, it is easy to access the operation unit.

[0006] The hot water generating device of the second aspect is the device of the first aspect, wherein the operation unit is arranged outside a side plate or a front plate of the casing. The heat source unit has a first cover. The first cover is arranged outside a side plate or a front plate of the casing. The operation unit is arranged inside the first cover.

[0007] In this hot water generating device, since the first cover is provided outside the side plate or the front plate of the casing, it is possible to prevent accidental contact with the operation unit.

[0008] The hot water generating device of the third aspect is the device of the second aspect, wherein the heat source unit has a fastening portion. The fastening portion fastens the first cover outside a side plate or a front plate of the casing.

[0009] In this hot water generating device, since the fastening portion for fastening the first cover outside the side plate or the front plate of the casing is provided, the first cover can be attached and detached.

[0010] The hot water generating device in the fourth aspect is a device according to either the second or third aspect, and the operating unit has a setting switch. The setting switch sets the operation of the refrigerant circuit. The first cover has a lid. The lid is an openable and closable lid that exposes the setting switch of the operating unit.

[0011] In this hot water generator, the first cover has a lid portion, so that the setting switches on the control panel can be exposed as needed.

[0012] The hot water generating device in the fifth aspect is the device in the fourth aspect, and the lid has a waterproof mechanism.

[0013] In this hot water generator, the lid of the first cover has a waterproofing mechanism, so that malfunctions of the operating parts due to getting wet can be prevented.

[0014] The hot water generating device in the sixth aspect is the device in the fourth or fifth aspect, and its operating section has a display panel. The display panel displays the setting status of the refrigerant circuit operation by the setting switch, or the operating status of the refrigerant circuit.

[0015] In this hot water generator, the control panel has a display panel, making it easy to know the setting status of the setting switches or the operating status of the refrigerant circuit.

[0016] The hot water generating device in the seventh aspect is any device from the first to the sixth aspect, and the operating section is positioned at an angle to the side or front plate of the casing.

[0017] This hot water generator allows for improved operability of the control panel.

[0018] The hot water generating apparatus of the eighth aspect is the apparatus of the seventh aspect, wherein the operating unit is movable from a first position, which is positioned at an angle to the side or front plate of the casing, to a second position different from the first position. The casing has an opening. The opening is formed to surround the operating unit in the first position. The terminal block for the electrical wiring of the operating unit is positioned so as to be accessible from the opening inside the casing when the operating unit is moved to the second position.

[0019] In this hot water generator, the control unit can be moved, which makes it easier to access the terminal block.

[0020] The hot water generating device of the ninth aspect is the device of either the first or eighth aspect, and the operating unit is located on the outside of the side plate of the casing. The heat source unit has a first cover located on the outside of the side plate of the casing. The heat source unit has an inlet port and an outlet port. Water flows from the tank into the heat source unit through the inlet port. Water flows from the heat source unit into the tank through the outlet port. The first cover covers the inlet port and the outlet port.

[0021] In this hot water generator, the first cover is designed to cover the inlet and outlet ports, preventing users from accidentally touching them.

[0022] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water generator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the heat source unit as seen from the upper right side of the front. This is a diagram showing the heat source unit with the cover removed. This is a functional block diagram of the control unit. This is a perspective view showing the operating unit in a first position. This is a perspective view showing the operating unit moved from the first position to the second position. This is a diagram showing an example of settings made by the operating unit. This is a diagram showing an example of settings made by a portable information terminal. This is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the operating unit. This is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the operating unit.

[0023] A hot water generating device 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] (1) Overall configuration diagram 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The hot water generator 1 comprises a heat source unit 2, a tank 3, and water circulation piping (piping) 4. The heat source unit 2 constitutes a refrigerant circuit 20 through which a refrigerant circulates. The water circulation piping 4 is the piping between the heat source unit 2 and the tank 3. Furthermore, the hot water generator 1 constitutes a water circulation circuit 30 in which the heat source unit 2 and the tank 3 are connected in a ring shape by the water circulation piping 4.

[0026] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Heat Source Unit The heat source unit 2 includes a refrigerant circuit 20 through which carbon dioxide refrigerant circulates, a casing 29, and an operating unit 50. The heat source unit 2 also has an inlet port 11 and an outlet port 12. Water flows into the heat source unit 2 from the tank 3 through the inlet port 11. Water flows out of the heat source unit 2 to the tank 3 through the outlet port 12.

[0027] The heat source unit 2 also includes a water pump 25 and water piping 28. The water piping 28 connects the water pump 25 to the upstream end of the water pipe 32w in the water heat exchanger 22.

[0028] The refrigerant circuit 20 includes a compressor 21, an expansion valve 23, an air heat exchanger 24, a refrigerant pipe 22r within the water heat exchanger 22, and refrigerant piping 26.

[0029] The refrigerant piping 26 connects each component in the following order: the discharge side of the compressor 21, the refrigerant pipe 22r inside the water heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 23, the air heat exchanger 24, and the suction side of the compressor 21, circulating the refrigerant within it.

[0030] The water heat exchanger 22 has a refrigerant pipe 22r and a water pipe 32w. The water heat exchanger 22 causes heat exchange to occur between the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 22r after being discharged by the compressor 21 of the heat source unit 2 and the water flowing through the water pipe 32w. Through this heat exchange in the water heat exchanger 22, the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant pipe 22r is cooled, and at the same time the water passing through the water pipe 32w is heated, thereby producing hot water.

[0031] The water circulation circuit 30 includes a tank 3, a 32W unit in a water heat exchanger 22, a water pump 25, water piping 28, and piping 4.

[0032] (2-1-1) Figure 2 of the heat source unit is a perspective view showing the exterior of the heat source unit 2 as seen from the upper right side of the front. Figure 3 shows the state with the first cover 60 removed and the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29 viewed. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, terms indicating directions or surfaces such as front, back, top, bottom, right, left, etc., refer to the direction or surface when the front plate 29a side of the heat source unit 2 is considered the front.

[0033] The heat source unit 2 comprises a casing 29 and a first cover 60. The casing 29 includes a front plate 29a, a top plate 29b, a right side plate 29c, a left side plate (not shown), a rear plate (not shown), and a bottom plate (not shown). A grill 29d covering the air inlet / outlet 29e is attached to the front plate 29a of the casing 29. The casing 29 houses the compressor 21. In other words, the right side plate 29 of the casing 29 is a sheet metal that forms the machine room (not shown) where the compressor 21 inside the casing 29 is located, and together with the front plate 29a, top plate 29b, left side plate, rear plate, and bottom plate, it forms the casing 29.

[0034] Furthermore, the casing 29 has an opening 29g. In this embodiment, the casing 29 has an opening 29g above the right side plate 29c.

[0035] (2-1-2) First Cover The first cover 60 is a resin housing. The first cover 60 is positioned on the outside of the side plate of the casing 29. In this embodiment, the first cover 60 is positioned on the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. The cover portion 60 is not limited to being positioned separately from the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. The cover portion 60 and the right side plate 29c of the casing 20 may be integrally molded.

[0036] The heat source unit 2 has a fastening portion 29f. The fastening portion 29f fastens the cover portion 60 to the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. In this embodiment, the fastening portion 29f is a claw. The claw 29f is provided on the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. The fastening portion 29f may also be a screw member.

[0037] The first cover 60 has a lid portion 61. The lid portion 61 is an openable and closable lid portion that exposes the setting portion (setting switch) 51 of the operating portion 50. When the setting switch 51 is exposed, the lid portion 61 is not limited to exposing the entire surface of the setting switch 51, but also includes cases where only a portion of the setting switch 51 is exposed. The lid portion 61 has a waterproof mechanism. In this embodiment, the lid portion 61 is made of resin. The lid portion 61 may also be made of a sealing material.

[0038] Furthermore, the first cover 60 covers the inlet port 26 and the outlet port 27.

[0039] (2-1-3) Control Unit Figure 4 is a control block diagram of the hot water generation device 1.

[0040] The control unit 5 is mainly composed of a control board 53 of the heat source unit 2 and an operation unit 50.

[0041] The control board 53 typically consists of a microcomputer equipped with a control arithmetic unit and a storage device, and an input / output circuit. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control arithmetic unit reads out the control program stored in the storage device and performs the operation control of the hot water generation device 1 according to the control program. The control arithmetic unit can write the calculation result into the storage device or read out the information stored in the storage device according to the control program. The control board 53 exchanges control signals and the like with the hot water amount and temperature sensor 36.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 5 controls the compressor 21, the expansion valve 23, the water pump 25, etc. based on the signal from the hot water amount and temperature sensor 36.

[0043] (2-1-3-1) Operation Unit The operation unit 50 is arranged at the first position or the second position different from the first position. FIG. 5 shows the state where the operation unit 50 is arranged at the first position. FIG. 6 shows the state where the operation unit 50 is moved from the first position to the second position. The operation unit 50 is movable from the first position arranged obliquely with respect to the side plate or the front plate of the casing 29 to the second position different from the first position.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the operation unit 5 is usually arranged at the first position. The opening 29g of the casing 29 is formed so as to surround the operation unit 5 at the first position. That the opening 29g of the casing 29 surrounds the operation unit 5 at the first position includes the case where a part of the opening 29g of the casing 29 overlaps the operation unit 5 when viewed from the outside of the side plate or the front plate of the casing 29. <0000The operation unit 50 is disposed outside the side plate or the front plate of the casing 29. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 50 is disposed outside the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. Disposed outside the right side plate 29c of the casing 29 means disposed outside and in the vicinity of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. When the operation unit 50 is disposed outside the right side plate 29c of the casing 29, the operation unit 50 may contact or may not contact the side plate of the casing 29. Further, when the operation unit 50 is disposed in the vicinity of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29, it is only necessary that the operation unit 50 is substantially disposed in the heat source unit 2. For example, the shortest straight-line distance between the right side plate 29c of the casing 29 and the operation unit 50 is about within 20 cm.

[0046] Further, a support portion 150a and a mounting portion 150b are disposed outside and in the vicinity of the side plate or the front plate of the casing 29. The support portion 150a supports the operation unit 50. At least a part of the support portion 150a is fixed to the side plate of the casing 29. The mounting portion 150b supports the support portion 150a rotatably.

[0047] When the operation unit 50 is disposed at the first position, the upper end side of the support portion 150a is fixed to the side plate or the front plate of the casing 29, and the operation unit 50 is supported by the support portion 150a in a state inclined obliquely with respect to the side plate or the front plate of the casing 29. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the operation unit 50 is disposed at the first position, the operation unit 50 is disposed in a state inclined obliquely with respect to the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. Further, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 50 is disposed inside the cover 60 (see FIG. 2). The operation unit 50 may contact or may not contact the cover portion 60.

[0048] When the operation unit 50 is disposed at the second position, the upper end side of the support portion 150a moves away from the side plate of the casing 29, so that the operation unit 50 moves to the second position while being supported by the support portion 150a.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the terminal block 55 for the electrical wiring of the operating unit 50 is positioned so that it can be accessed from an opening 29g inside the casing 29 when the operating unit 50 is moved from the first position to the second position. For example, during maintenance of the hot water generator 1, by moving the operating unit 50 to the second position, the worker can access the terminal block 55 for the electrical wiring of the operating unit 50 from the opening 29g in the right side plate 29c of the casing 29 without removing the casing 29.

[0050] The control unit 50 is a user interface for controlling the hot water generator 1. Signals and the like for instructing the operation of the hot water generator 1 are input to the control board 53 from the control unit 50 via wireless or wired communication.

[0051] In addition to the control unit 50, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone may be used as the user interface for the hot water generator 1.

[0052] The operation unit 50 includes a setting unit (setting switch) 51 and a display unit (display panel) 52.

[0053] The setting unit 51 includes buttons, dials, keys, etc., for the user to operate the hot water generator 1. The setting unit 51 sets the operation of the refrigerant circuit 20.

[0054] The user of the hot water generator 1 operates the setting unit 51 to input information such as the set value for the hot water supply temperature.

[0055] The display unit 52 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 52 displays the setting status of the operation of the refrigerant circuit 20 by the setting unit 51, or the operation status of the refrigerant circuit 20. The display unit 52 may also be a touchscreen that also functions as the setting unit 51.

[0056] The display unit 52 displays information regarding the status of the hot water generator 1, and information regarding the settings of the hot water generator 1. For example, the display unit 52 displays the set value of the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot water supply unit (not shown), etc. (hot water supply temperature), and the amount of hot water stored in the tank 3.

[0057] (2-2) Tank Tank 3 is a device that warms, stores, and utilizes water supplied from an external source such as city water using heat obtained from the heat source unit 2. Tank 3 is a tank that stores hot water obtained from the heat source unit 2 in advance before it is used. Tank 3 is always filled with water and hot water, and a hot water volume and temperature sensor 36 is provided to allow the control unit 5 to know the amount of hot water. Based on the temperature detected by the hot water volume and temperature sensor 36, the control unit 5 drives the heat source unit 2 to perform a boiling operation (heating operation). The boiling operation is an operation in which the amount of heat is increased until the temperature of the water in Tank 3 reaches the target temperature.

[0058] The water circulation piping 4 has a supply pipe 31 and a return pipe 33.

[0059] The supply pipe 31 connects the area near the lower end of the tank 3 to the water pump 25.

[0060] The return pipe 33 connects the downstream end of the water pipe 32w in the water heat exchanger 22 to the vicinity of the upper end of the tank 3.

[0061] The water pump 25 is driven by a command from the control unit 5, causing the cooler water at the bottom of the tank 3 to flow out into the supply pipe 31. The water that flows out into the supply pipe 31 is sent to the water pump 25 of the heat source unit 2 and flows into the water piping 28. The water that flows out of the water piping 28 of the heat source unit 2 passes through the water pipe 32w in the water heat exchanger 22, increasing its temperature, and is returned to the vicinity of the top of the tank 3 via the return pipe 33. As a result, the boundary between the hot water and cold water in the tank 3 moves from top to bottom, and the amount of hot water in the tank 3 increases.

[0062] The water supply pipe 71 receives water from an external source such as city water and supplies room temperature water to the vicinity of the lower end of the tank 3. The hot water supply pipe 73 guides the relatively hot water, which is located near the upper end of the water or hot water stored in the tank 3, to the user's location.

[0063] (3) The setting operation unit 50 of the hot water generator functions as a remote control for the hot water generator 1. For example, when performing maintenance on the hot water generator 1, an operator can use the operation unit 50 to set the hot water generator 1. Even if the operation unit 50 is located inside the first cover 60, an operator can easily access the operation unit 50 by opening the lid 61 of the first cover 60.

[0064] Figure 7 shows an example of settings made using the operation unit 50.

[0065] The control unit 50 performs the following settings for the hot water generator 1: time setting, schedule setting, heating amount level setting, heating pause setting, heat boost setting, and on-site settings.

[0066] When setting the time of the hot water generator 1, the control unit 50 sets the time of the hot water generator 1 to match the current time.

[0067] The control unit 50 sets the hot water supply schedule for the hot water generator 1, for example, for the entire year. The schedule settings include continuous, 10 p.m.-7 a.m., 12 a.m.-6 a.m., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., schedule time manual 1, and schedule time manual 2. Continuous allows 24-hour operation of the hot water generator 1. 10 p.m.-7 a.m. and 12 a.m.-6 a.m. allow heating operation at night. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. allows heating operation during the day. Schedule time manuals 1 and 2 allow manual setting of permitted operating times.

[0068] The control unit 50 sets the target amount of hot water that the hot water generator 1 will produce in the tank 3 when setting the heating amount level. The settings for the heating amount level include setting the heating amount (levels 1-6) or setting the automatic heating amount.

[0069] The control unit 50 is configured to stop the heating (heating operation) when the water heating pause setting is enabled, in which case the water heating device 1 will not be used for several days.

[0070] The control unit 50, in the heat boost setting, is configured to shorten the time it takes for the hot water generator 1 to reach the set temperature of the hot water generated in the tank. The heat boost setting includes manual heating.

[0071] In on-site configuration, the operator uses the control unit 50 at the installation site of the hot water generator 1. The on-site configuration includes at least one of the following: heating temperature correction, automatic heating amount setting initialization, extended heating permission setting, and tank volume setting.

[0072] In the boiling temperature correction, the temperature at which the hot water generator 1 boils the water during heating operation is corrected.

[0073] The "Reset Automatic Water Heating Volume" function resets the automatic water heating volume setting to its default value.

[0074] The extended heating permission setting determines whether or not to continue operation until the conditions for stopping heating are met, if the scheduled time is exceeded during heating operation.

[0075] In the tank capacity setting, the tank 3 connected to the heat source unit 2 in the hot water generator 1 is configured.

[0076] In this embodiment, the operating unit 50 of the hot water generator 1 is located on the outside of the side plate 29 of the casing 20 of the heat source unit 2, so that during maintenance, the operator can easily perform setting operations using the operating unit 50. Furthermore, since the operating unit 50 is positioned at an angle to the side plate 29 of the casing 29, the operator can easily perform setting operations.

[0077] Figure 8 shows an example of settings made using a personal digital assistant (PDCA). When a PDCA is used as the user interface for the hot water generator 1, the user can use the PDCA to configure settings related to the hot water generator 1. The PDCA is, for example, a smartphone. Even if the hot water generator 1 is installed outdoors, the user can easily configure the hot water generator 1 indoors using a PDCA.

[0078] The user can use a mobile device to, for example, set the time for the hot water generator 1, set the operation schedule for the hot water generator 1, set the heating amount level, set the heating pause, and set the heat boost.

[0079] Setting the time of the hot water generator 1 using a mobile information terminal includes automatic time correction by a server (not shown).

[0080] Furthermore, users can, for example, display the amount of electricity consumed by the hot water generator 1 as a reference value in a smartphone app.

[0081] (4) Features (4-1) The hot water generator 1 according to this embodiment comprises a heat source unit 2, a tank 3, and water circulation piping 4. The heat source unit 2 constitutes a refrigerant circuit 20 through which a refrigerant circulates. The water circulation piping 4 is the piping between the heat source unit 2 and the tank 3. The heat source unit 2 has a compressor 21, a casing 29, and an operating unit 50. The casing 29 houses the compressor 21. The operating unit 50 is located on the outside of the casing 29.

[0082] Traditionally, the control panel (setting PCB) for the water heater's heat source unit has been located inside the unit itself. However, operating the control panel has traditionally required removing the heat source unit's casing, making it difficult to use.

[0083] In the hot water generator 1 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to remove the casing 29 of the heat source unit 2 when operating the control unit 50 of the control unit 5. Therefore, maintenance of the hot water generator 1 can be easily performed by an operator.

[0084] Furthermore, in the hot water generator 1, the heat source unit 2 has a control unit 5 for operating the equipment. Therefore, the installation work of the hot water generator 1 can be completed outdoors where the heat source unit 2 is installed, and the installation work and commissioning of the hot water generator 1 can be carried out efficiently.

[0085] In this hot water generator 1, the control unit 50 is located on the outside of the casing 29 of the heat source unit 2, making it easy to access the control unit 50.

[0086] (4-2) In the hot water generator 1 according to this embodiment, the operating unit 50 is located on the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing. The heat source unit 2 has a first cover 60. The first cover 60 is located on the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. The operating unit 50 is located on the inside of the first cover 60.

[0087] In this hot water generator 1, the first cover 60 is provided on the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29, so that it is possible to prevent accidental contact with the operating section 50.

[0088] (4-3) In the hot water generating device 1 according to this embodiment, the heat source unit 2 has a claw 29f. The claw 29f fastens the first cover 60 to the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29.

[0089] In this hot water generator 1, the right side plate 29c of the casing 29 has a claw 29f on the outside for fastening the first cover 60, so that the first cover 60 can be attached and detached.

[0090] (4-4) In the hot water generator 1 according to this embodiment, the operation unit 50 has a setting switch 51. The setting switch 51 sets the operation of the refrigerant circuit 20. The first cover 60 has a lid 61. The lid 61 is an openable and closable lid that exposes the setting switch 51 of the operation unit 50.

[0091] In this hot water generator 1, the first cover 60 has a lid portion 61, so that the setting switch 51 of the operation unit 50 can be exposed as needed.

[0092] (4-5) In the hot water generating device 1 according to this embodiment, the lid portion 61 has a waterproof mechanism.

[0093] In this hot water generator 1, the lid portion 61 of the first cover 60 has a waterproof mechanism, so that malfunctions of the operating section 50 due to getting wet can be prevented.

[0094] (4-6) In the hot water generator 1 according to this embodiment, the operation unit 50 has a display panel 52. The display panel 52 displays the setting status of the operation of the refrigerant circuit 20 by the setting switch 51, or the operating status of the refrigerant circuit 20.

[0095] In this hot water generator 1, the operation unit 50 has a display panel 52, so the setting status of the setting switch 51 or the operating status of the refrigerant circuit 20 can be easily determined.

[0096] (4-7) In the hot water generator 1 according to this embodiment, the operating unit 50 is positioned at an angle to the right side plate 29c of the casing 29.

[0097] This hot water generator 1 can improve the operability of the control unit 50.

[0098] (4-8) In the hot water generator 1 according to this embodiment, the operating unit 50 is movable from a first position, in which it is positioned at an angle with respect to the right side plate 29c of the casing 29, to a second position different from the first position. The casing 29 has an opening 29g. The opening 29g is formed to surround the operating unit 50 in the first position. The terminal block 55 for the electrical wiring of the operating unit 50 is positioned so as to be accessible from the opening 29g inside the casing 29 when the operating unit 50 is moved to the second position.

[0099] In this hot water generator 1, the operating unit 50 can be moved, making it easier to access the terminal block 55 by moving the operating unit 50.

[0100] (4-9) In the hot water generator 1 according to this embodiment, the operating section is located on the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. The heat source unit 2 has a first cover 60 located on the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29. The heat source unit 2 has an inlet port 11 and an outlet port 12. Water flows into the heat source unit 2 from the tank 3 through the inlet port 11. Water flows out of the heat source unit 2 to the tank 3 through the outlet port 12. The first cover 60 covers the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12.

[0101] In this hot water generator 1, the first cover 60 covers the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12, so that the user does not accidentally come into contact with the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12.

[0102] (5) Modified Examples (5-1) Modified Example 1A In this embodiment, the case in which the heat source unit 2 has a first cover 60 and the operating section 50 is located inside the first cover 60 has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. The operating section 50 may be located outside the side plate of the casing 29 of the heat source unit 2, without the casing 29 being covered by the first cover 60.

[0103] (5-2) Modification 1B In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the operating unit 50 is located on the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29 of the heat source unit 2, but it is not limited to this. The operating unit 50 may also be located on the outside of the front plate 29a of the casing 29.

[0104] Figure 9 shows the arrangement of the operating section 50 of the heat source unit 2a in this modified example. In this modified example, the operating section 50 is located on the outside of the front plate 29a, which is different from the embodiment. In this modified example, the differences from the embodiment will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted as appropriate unless necessary.

[0105] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the operating unit 50 is positioned above the front plate 29a and on the front side of the machine room. Alternatively, the operating unit 50 may be positioned below the front plate 29a and on the front side of the machine room.

[0106] When the operating unit 50 is located on the front plate 29a of the casing 29, an opening 29g (see Figure 3) is provided above or below the front plate 29a, at a position on the front side of the machine room.

[0107] When the operating unit 50 is located outside the front plate 29a of the casing 29, the operating unit 50 may be covered by the first cover 60, or it may be located outside the front plate 29a without being covered by the first cover 60.

[0108] (5-3) Modification 1C In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the operating unit 50 is located on the outside of the right side plate 29c of the casing 29 of the heat source unit 2. However, the operating unit 50 may also be located on the outside of the top plate 29b of the casing 29.

[0109] Figure 10 shows the arrangement of the operating section 50 of the heat source unit 2b in this modified example. When the operating section 50 is located on the top plate 29b, an opening 29g (see Figure 3) is provided on the top plate 29b above the machine room. In this modified example, the operating section 50 is located above the opening in the top plate 29 of the casing 20, parallel to the top plate 29b. The operating section 50 may also be located at an angle to the top plate 29b.

[0110] (5-4) Modification 1D In this embodiment, the case in which the refrigerant is a single refrigerant consisting of carbon dioxide has been described, but a mixed refrigerant containing carbon dioxide may also be used. Furthermore, the refrigerant is not limited to one containing carbon dioxide.

[0111] (5-5) Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims.

[0112] 1 Hot water generator 2, 2a, 2b Heat source unit 3 Tank 4 Water circulation piping (piping) 5 Control unit 11 Inlet port 12 Outlet port 20 Refrigerant circuit 21 Compressor 22 Water heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 25 Water pump 26 Refrigerant piping 28 Water piping 29 Casing 29a Front panel 29b Top panel 29c Right side panel (side panel) 29f Claws (fastening parts) 29g Opening 31 Supply pipe 33 Return pipe 50 Operation unit 51 Setting unit (setting switch) 52 Display unit (display panel) 53 Control board 55 Terminal block 60 First cover 61 Lid

[0113] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-162184

Claims

1. A hot water generator (1) comprising: a heat source unit (2, 2a, 2b) constituting a refrigerant circuit (20) through which a refrigerant circulates; a tank (3); and piping (4) between the heat source unit and the tank, wherein the heat source unit has a compressor (21), a casing (29) housing the compressor, and an operating unit (50), the operating unit being located outside the casing.

2. The hot water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is located on the outside of the side plate (29c) or front plate (29a) of the casing, the heat source unit has a first cover (60) located on the outside of the side plate or front plate of the casing, and the operating unit is located on the inside of the first cover.

3. The hot water generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heat source unit has fastening portions (29f) for fastening the first cover to the outside of the side plate or front plate of the casing.

4. The hot water generating apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the operating unit has a setting switch (51) for setting the operation of the refrigerant circuit, and the first cover has an openable and closable lid (61) that exposes the setting switch of the operating unit.

5. The hot water generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the lid has a waterproofing mechanism.

6. The hot water generating apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the operating unit has a display panel (52) that displays the setting state of the operation of the refrigerant circuit by the setting switch, or the operating state of the refrigerant circuit.

7. The hot water generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operating unit is positioned at an oblique angle to the side plate or front plate of the casing.

8. The hot water generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the operating unit is movable from a first position, which is positioned at an oblique angle with respect to the side plate or front plate of the casing, to a second position different from the first position, the casing has an opening (29g), the opening is formed to surround the operating unit in the first position, and the terminal block (55) for electrical wiring of the operating unit is positioned in a location accessible from the opening within the casing when the operating unit is moved to the second position.

9. The hot water generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the operating unit is located on the outside of the side plate of the casing, the heat source unit has a first cover (60) located on the outside of the side plate of the casing, the heat source unit has an inlet port (11) through which water flows from the tank to the heat source unit, and an outlet port (12) through which water flows from the heat source unit to the tank, and the first cover covers the inlet port and the outlet port.

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